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Gen. R, S. RIPLEY 




BY 



Col. E. M. SEAOROOK 



April, 1894. 




I 



ADDRESS 



DELIVERED AT 



THE UNVEILING 



RIPLEY MONUMENT 



MAGNOLIA CEMETERY, 



MONDAY AFTERNOON, 



April 3 , 1894. 



BY COL. E. M. SEABROOK. 



CHARLESTON, S. C. 

The Daggett Printing Company, 153 East Bat. 

1894. 



£^6 7 
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ADDRESS. 



Mr. President and Memhers of the Survivors^ Association, and 
Ladies and Gentlemen : 

This presence and occasion, whilst it does Jionor to a distin- 
guished soldier, General Roswell Sabin Ripley, also does great 
honor to this ancient and historical Oity of Charleston, by her 
grateful appreciation of distinguished and patriotic services, ren- 
dered in the time of sore trial and great peril. 

We are here to commemorate these services, but before dwell- 
ing on them, it will not be inappropriate to notice briefly his 
early life. 

General Roswell Sabin Ripley was the son of Christopher 
Ripley, who was commissioned a captain in the United States 
Army, by President Madison, and served during the War of 1812. 
General Ripley was born in Worthington, Ohio, 14th of March, 
1823; entered West Point Academy from New York, 1839, and 
graduated in 18-43 with distinction in a class noted for its ability 
and proficiency. He was assigned to the Second Regiment of 
the United States Artillery. In July, 1848, he was ordered to 
join the army in Mexico, and was present at the taking of 
Montery, and during the siege and surrender of Vera Cruz. As 
an officer of the army under General Scott's command, he par- 
ticipated in all the battles of that memorable campaign, which 
illustrated to the world the bravery and skill of the American 
soldier, whether serving as a regular or as a volunteer. At the 
Battle of Chapultepec, he was brevetted Major for bravery. 
After the conclusion of the war with Mexico, he was stationed 
for a time at Fort Moultrie, on Sullivan's Island, and made 
many friends in this City of Charleston. In 1853 he married 
into one of the most respected families of South Carolina, and 
made his home in this State. 

In 1854 he resigned his commission in the United States 
Army and engaged in a lucrative agency business, which required 
his frequent presence in Europe. 

We come now to the consideration of his services to the State 
of South Carolina, to the City of Charleston, and to the Con- 
federate Cause. On the 20th of December, 1860, the people of 



South Carolina, in convention assembled, acting under the con- 
viction that the Constitution, which they had assisted in fram- 
ing for the government of the United States, had been violated, 
and that the institutions, the liberty and safety of the people, 
were no longer safe in the Union, in the exercise of the great 
right of self-preservation, resolved to "dissolve the union between 
the State of South Carolina, and other States united with her, 
under the compact entitled 'The Constitution of the United 
States of America.'"' By this solemn act South Carolina pro- 
claimed, to the nations of the world, her status as a sovereign 
State, and as an indei^endent power. And "solitary and alone," 
trusting in the righteousness of her cause, and patriotism of her 
peojile, with the Palmetto flag at the mast head of the Ship of 
State, she assumed the duties and responsibilities of Nationality 
among the nations of the world. 

The heart of South Carolina was throbbing with jiolitical ex- 
citement, and the rumbles of a political earthquake were audible. 
It was a question of the gravest speculation, whether this Act 
would eventuate in war, and whether the State would be joined 
by her sister States of the South It was at this memorable crisis 
in her history tluit General liipley, acting under high and noble 
impulses, tendered his services to the State of South Carolina, 
through her Governor, F. W. Pickens. Had he been influenced 
by selfish ambition, cognizant as he was of the resources of the 
North, and knowing, as he did, that in these latter days the 
result of war was determined not by mere bravery and sacrifice 
of life, but by the resources of the combatants, he would have 
cast his fortunes with the Northern States of the Union. Gov- 
ernor I'ickens promptly accepted his services, and commissioned 
him Major of Ordnance at Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island, and 
he forthwith entered upon the discharge of his duties. His ser- 
vices at this period were invaluable. Military education and 
knowlcdgcof a peculiar character were imperatively needed, and 
General Kipley, with his West Point education and knowledge of 
artillery and engineering, was the man for the emergency. 

On the night of the 2Gth December, 18*!0, General Anderson, 
then the commander of Fort Moultrie, moved into Fort Sumter, 
carrying such jirovisions and ammunition as he could take, and 
leaving an engineer and six men to retain possession of Fort 
Moultrie. The flag stafl: was cut down, the guns of the fort 
spiked, and some of the gun carriages tarred and biirned. 



Such was the condition of Fort Moultrie when General Rip- 
ley entered upon the discharge of his duties. From that hour 
his indomitable energy and his great mental ability were exer- 
cised by day and by night, in repairing the guns and hot-shot 
furnaces, and putting the fort in a condition to retain her an- 
cient name. He spared no effort in disciplining both officers 
and men, and instructing them in the use of heavy artillery. 
And how well those duties were discharged the events which 
followed, and which are now matters of history, will show. 

It was in the early gray of the morning of April 12th that 
the thunder of artillery was heard in the Harbor of Charleston, 
and the intelligence flashed to the eager ears and anxious hearts 
of the people of Charleston, that the momentous struggle for 
the possession of Fort Sumter had begun. This remarkable 
bombardment continued thirty-four hours, and ended in the 
surrender of Fort Sumter, after a defense highly honorable to its 
officers and men. General Beauregard, who had been appointed 
to the command of South Carolina on the 1st of March, 1861, 
in his leport of April 16th, 1861, to the Hon. L. P. Walker,' 
Secretary of War, says: "In conclusion I am happy to state that 
the troops, both officers and soldiers of the Regulars, Volunteers, 
Militia and Navy, by their energy, zeal, perseverance, labor and 
endurance before the attack, and by their courage and gallantry 
during its continuance, exhibited all the characteristics of the 
best troops." 

The command of Fort Moultrie fully merited the above en- 
comium of the Commanding General, and was conspicuous for 
their bravery and skill in the service of their guns, and it is a 
matter of history that the shot fired by the hot-shot furnaces put 
in order at Fort Moultrie by General Ripley, contributed in no 
small degree to the surrender of Fort Sumter. Of General 
Ripley's services at this time, it is proper that the testimony of 
those best qualified to judge of them should be given. 

General Dunovant, his ranking officer, in his report of opera- 
tions against Fort Sumter, says: '' The defenses of Fort Moul- 
trie, and the preparation of the gun and mortar batteries, above 
and below this post, seemed to me complete and satisfactory. 
For this no small measure of praise is due to the sagacity, expe- 
rience and unflagging zeal of Lieut.-Col. R. S. Ripley, command- 
ing First Battalion Artillery, who was assigned to duty under 
my command on the 2d day of January last, when Fort Moul- 



6 

trie was considered untenable. The suggestions made by this 
officer in his reports, respecting the defenses of the fort, have in 
almost every instance been carried out, and their value has been 
triumphantly illustrated by the severe test to which they were 
subjected in the recent engagement. The guns which were used 
against Fort Sumter were the same which Major Anderson spiked 
and burned when he abandoned Fort Moultrie." 

General Beauregard, in his report to the Secretary of War, 
says: "Of Lieut.-Col. R. S. Eipley, First Artillery Battalion, 
commandant of the batteries on Sullivan's Island, I cannot 
speak too highly, and join with General Dunovant, his immedi- 
ate commander since January last, in commending in tlio high- 
est terms his sagacity, experience and unflagging zeal.'' 

We have also the testimony of Governor Pickens. On the 
3d of May, 1861, tlie following letter was addressed by him to 
General Rijpley: 

To Lie ute7iant- Colonel Ripley: 

Sir — I return you my thauks and the thanks of the State for the brave 
and patriotic manner in which you have so nobly discharged your duties 
since the first time I called you into the service of the State. On the 27th 
of December last, I called on you to go into Fort Moultrie, when it was 
universally thought to be untenable, and there was immediate danger. 
You answered to the call like a soldier and a patriot, and when some little 
difficulty occurred as to rank and etiquette, you waived everything and 
volunteered to serve as a private at the heavy ordnance. I assigned some 
young men from West Point with you. Lieutenants Gibbs, Farley, Reynolds 
and Lieutenant Grimball of the Navy and some other, I do not now re- 
member exactly who it was. 

You took your post and were eager to stand at your guns, although ex- 
posed to the fire of Fort Sumter and under circumstances of great danger. 
Afterwards I assigned the brave General Dunovant to the command of 
Fort ]\Ioultrie, and you were assigned in particular charge of the guns and 
batteries, as your experience and knowledge of heiJvy ordnance were 
highly valued by me. From that day to the capture of Fort Sumter you 
never relaxed, and by your energy and talents you aided more effectually 
than any other man in putting Fort Moultrie in such condition as to stand 
the terrible fire from Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, and by your 
bravery and judgment in the management of your guns, and particularly 
by your hotshot, you contributed certainly not less than any other single 
man to the reduction of that powerful fortress. You have acted nobly and 
heroically, and South Carolina will never forget the services you have ren- 
dered lier at this most trying period of her history. I think it nothing but 
due you that I should pay this tribute to your merits as a soldier and an 
officer. With great regard, j'ours truly^ 

F. W. P1CKEN8. 



Soon after the surrender of Fort Sumter General Eipley was 
assigned to its command, and proceeded with his usual energy 
and ability to repair the damages of the bombardment, and to 
restore the fort to its former condition. And how well his work 
was accomplished, let the biographer of General Beauregard tell: 
"With skill and energy this work was done, and in less than 
three weeks, no vestige of the former injuries remained — the 
broken chasis, and carriages had been replaced, the barracks 
rebuilt in one story in height, instead of two as formerly, and the 
walls restored to their previous condition." 

After months of indefatigable service, he naturally felt with 
his friends that the Confederate ai;thorities at Richmond were 
tardy in bestowing upon him the promotion he so justly merited. 
The rumor prevailing that General Ripley intended resigning, 
public opinion found expression in the following letter addressed 
to him, by patriotic and representative citizens: 

POSTOFFICE, } 

Charleston, July 39th, 1861. [ 
My Dear Sir — The deep anxiety we feel in the safety of our native city, 
our native State and our native South, will, we trust, sufficiently apologize 
for the liberty we are now taking. It is rumored that your resignation is con- 
templated by yourself, and believing, as we assuredly do, that this whole 
commmunity would regard such resolution on your part as nothing less 
than a public calamity, we entreat you to pause, and, if possible, to refrain. 
We should immediately be plunged into that state of feebleeness that 
could not do other than depress our people and equally encourage our 
enemy. Many of us are painfully affected by the cause which may possi- 
bly lead you to this course — but however slow justice sometimes seems to 
be, her decree is not less sure. Our conviction is, that our indebtedness to 
your wisdom is beyond being measured, and we most earnestly beg that 
you will at least leave us the opportunity of saying not what we think and 
feel, but what we know, and above all what we shall fear, should we be 
called on to mourn your departure from us. 

With highest respect and gratitude for services already rendered, 
We remain your obedient servants, 

Alfred Huger, 
Elias Vanderhorst, 
Allen S. Izard, 
Henry Gourdin, 
Daniel Ravenel, 
Robert N. Gourdin, 
C. Remedes, 
LiEUT.-CoL. R. S. Ripley. John Ravp:nel. 

General Ripley yielded to the public sentiment and remained 



8 

in the service. On the 21st August, 1861, he was appointed 
Brigadier-General of the Provisional Army of the Confederate 
States, and assigned to the command of the Department of South 
Carolina, and the coast defenses of the State. 

General Ripley entered upon the discharge of his duties with 
renewed zeal, and devoted himself with untiring energy, and 
great ability, to the strengthening of the defenses of Charleston 
Harbor, and of the coast. The authorities at Washington at the 
same time were preparing a powerful fleet, and a land force, for 
oifensive operations against South Carolina. On the 9th of 
Kovember, 18G1, the attack was made on the forts of Port 
Royal, and resulted in the surrender of those forts, after a heroic 
defense, and the abandonment of the islands on the coast. 

When public calamities occur, the public mind, under the 
influence of excitement, and passion, is apt to do injustice, but 
history rights the wrong, and vindicates truth and justice; and 
so it was in this case. Blame was freely attached to the Con- 
federate and State authorities, as well as to the officers in com- 
mand. But they did all that could be done under the circum- 
stances that surrounded them, and were free from blame. 
And history will so record it. The fall of Port Royal, and its 
attendant circumstances, was the inevitable result of the superior 
resources of the enemy. 

Soon after the fall of Port Royal, Gen. Robert E. Lee was 
sent to the Southern seaboard, for the purpose of supervising the 
measures for its defense, and for a time had his headquarters in 
South Carolina. It is almost superfluous to say that in the dis- 
charge of his duties, the sagacity, skill and ability which distin- 
guished him, were conspicuously exhibited. 

In March, 1862, General Lee was summoned to Richmond, 
and charged with the conduct of military operations of the 
Armies of the Confederacy, under the direction of the President. 

March 14th, Brigadier-General J. C. Pemberton, who had 
been in command of the Fourth Military District of South Caro- 
lina, extending from the Ashepoo to the Port Royal entrance, 
since December 10th, 1861, was assigned to the command of the 
Department of South Carolina and Georgia, with the rank of 
Major-General. General Pemberton made Charleston his head- 
quarters. General Ripley continued his services with unabated 
zeal, and rare ability. A serious difEerence of opinion, however, 
arose between Major-General Pemberton and General Ripley as 



9 



to the defense of Charleston. General Pemberton was in favor 
not only of the evacuation of Golems Island, but of the demolition 
of the forts, after the removal of the guns. He thought that the 
defense of the city should be made "^'from, and around the city 
itself." In his communication of May 21st, 1862, to General 
Lee, these views are thus expressed: 

"I am decidedly of the opinion that the most effectual de- 
fense of the City of Charleston can, and should be made from, 
and around the city itself. I believe that when the enemy is 
prepared to assault the forts, at the entrance of the harbor, he 
will do so in such force, and with such appliances, as will reduce 
it to a question of time only. Our great reliance being on these 
works, when they fall, our means of defense will be inadequate 
to hold the city; but with the guns now within their walls, I am 
satisfied that however great might be the injury to the city itself, 
from bombardment, his feet could be kept from polluting its 
streets. This has for some time been my opinion. The forts 
should not only be dismounted, but destroyed. They will be of 
no use to us after the war in their present condition, for I take 
it impregnable iron-clad batteries must take the place of stone 
and mortar. I propose this subject to the serious consideration 
of the Department." 

General Ripley, on the other hand, believed in strengthening 
the forts and the batteries in and around Charleston Harbor, 
holding Cole's Island, fortifying the west end of Morris Island, 
and constructing a strong line of defense across James Island. 
He held the opinion that the enemy would not attempt the re- 
duction of Cole's Island, until full preparation was made, which 
would require considerable time, and thus give ample opportunity 
for the construction of the line of defense across James Island, 
for the gathering of the corps on John's Island and the removal 
of property. He believed also that the occupation of the forts 
was of great importance to the Confederacy, in protecting block- 
ade-runners in bringing in necessary supplies. These views were 
expressed in a communication to the Military Headquarters at 
Richmond. Early in May, by order of General Pemberton, Cole's 
Island and Battery Island were evacuated and their guns re- 
moved. 

On the 17th the enemy's gunboats entered Stono River, and 
under their cover June 2d, the landing of troops on James 
Island commenced, which by the 15th, as estimated, amounted to 



10 

between ten and twelve thousand men of all arms. On the iHth 
the enemy advanced, and the hard contested battle of Secession- 
ville was fought against greatly superior numbers, and won by 
the heroic conduct of our troops, and the sacrifice of valuable 
lives. 

On 23d April, 18G2, General Ripley applied to be relieved 
from duty, in the Department of South Carolina. His applica- 
tion having been referred to Major-General Pemberton, was re- 
turned to the Military Headquarters at Richmond, with tlie fol- 
lowing endorsement: 

Headquarters Department S. C. ) 
PocoTALiGo, April 25tli, 1862. ) 
Respectfully forwarded and approved as this is the wish of General Ripley, 
to be relieved from duty in this department; although, from his knowledge 
of Charleston, the topography of the neighborhood, and his own resources 
and energy, it will not be easy to replace him. 

J. C. Pembekton, 
Mfijor- General Co)/i man ding. 

General Rijdey not being relieved, still continued on duty. 

The military views of General Pemberton as to the defense of 
Charleston (however wise and patriotic they may have been) did 
not accord with public opinion, and a spirit of dissatisfaction 
manifested itself. In a reply to a communication of Governor 
Pickens on this subject. General Lee, on May loth, 1862, says: 
'*I see no way of adjusting the matter, save the relieving of Gen- 
eral Ripley, in compliance with his request. I should regret to 
take this step, inasmuch as his ability and knowledge of affairs 
in Charleston Harbor would be very essential in time of attack. 
As he seems to be dissatisfied, however, it may be the best thing 
to gratify his wishes. On the other hand, the Hon. W. I'orcher 
Miles, AV. D. Porter and A. G. Magrath deprecate his removal, 
and think his absence at this time would be disastrous. They 
recommend giving General Ri])ley the direct control, and re- 
sponsibility for the defense of Charleston District, independent 
of General Pemberton. This is impossible to do, while General 
Pemberton is in command of the department." 

In a communication of May 15th, 1SG2. (reneral Lee, in reply 
to one on the same subject, from Hon. W. P. Miles, W. D. Por- 
ter and X. G. Magrath, says: "Your suggestion to relieve Gen- 
eral Ripley of all direct control by General Pemberton could not 
be adopted, as long as General Pemberton retained command of 
the Dei)artment of South C'arolina and Georgia. The defense of 



11 

the two cities, Charleston and Savannah, is so closely associated, 
that it is deemed undesirable to constitute each of the States a 
separate department, under a separate commander. General 
Kipley appears dissatisfied, and anxious to change his field of 
operation, and although recognizing the importance of his pres- 
ence at Charleston, particularly should the city be attacked, yet 
it appears best to comply with his repeated request, and relieve 
him from his present command." 

On May 24th, 18(32, General Ripley, in compliance with his 
request, was relieved of his command in South Carolina, and 
ordered to Richmond for duty with the regiments of Colonel 
Moore of South Carolina, and Colonel Gibson of Georgia. 

As soon as the proper arrangements could be made and trans- 
portation furnished. General Ripley reported with his command 
at Richmond. Time will not loermit me to enter into details as 
to his services in Virginia; suffice it to say that he participated 
in the battles around Richmond, and at Malvern Hill. He served 
with the Army of Northern Virginia until after the battle of 
Sharjisburg, where he was wounded in the throat. 

On the 8th of October, President Davis, in reply to a com- 
munication from General Pickens, says: "Your request for Gen- 
eral Ripley will be complied witlj, if General Lee can spare him." 
On the same day the following communication was addressed 
to General Lee by G. W. Randolph, Secretary of War: 

''General W. D. Smith is dead, and General Beauregard is 
pressing for General Ripley. Have you any objection to his 
transfer to Charleston? Answer by telegraph." 

On October 10th, 1862, General Ripley was ordered to proceed 
to Charleston, and report for duty to General Beauregard, com- 
manding. On the 16th of the same month, he was assigned to the 
command of the First Military District, vice Brigadier-General 
W. D. Smith deceased, and on the 25th he made a report of 
great ability, giving a full statement of the military status of his 
district, and also his views as to the defense of Charleston Har- 
bor. General Ripley again urged the importance of fortifying 
the west end of Morris Island, but circumstances beyond his 
control prevented him from carrying out his views. Had they 
been carried out, Charleston would not have suffered, as she did, 
from the bombardment of the enemy on Morris Island. Nor 
would Fort Sumter and Battery Wagner have been compelled to 
pass through the fiery ordeal that they did. 



12 

General Ripley remained on ciuty in the First Military District 
of South Carolina, and contributed not less than any other man 
to the successful defense of Charleston Harbor, especially of Fort 
Sumter, whose defense stands unsurpassed in history for skill, 
bravery and endurance. When the evacuation of Fort Sumter 
became a necessity, in consequence of the advance of General 
Sherman's Army across the Savannah River, General Ripley was 
ordered to join the Army of the West, and reported to General 
Johnson on the evening of the Battle of Bentonville, North 
Carolina. That niglit the army was ordered to Smithfield, for 
the purpose of reorganization. General Ripley repaired there. 
While the reorganization was being effected he was again or- 
dered to South Caroliiui for duty. Arriving at Chester, South 
Carolina, he heard of the surrender of the Confederate Armies, 
and the fall of the Confederacy. He then joined his family at 
Society Hill, South Carolina, and after a short time went with 
them to England, and obtained employment in a manufacturing 
establishment in London. 

At that time the French Government, anticipating a war with 
Prussia, offered him a lucrative contract for a large number of 
rifles, which he accepted. While preparing to till the contract, 
the machinery which he expected to use for that purpose was 
claimed by the United States Government, as property of the 
Confederacy, and this caused the failure of the conti-act. Gen- 
eral Ripley returned to New York, and made a brave struggle for 
a support. Having cast his fortunes with the Confederacy, he 
bore the consequence of defeat bravely, and manfully, without 
repining. 

General Ripley was a ready and able writer. His " History 
of the War with ]\Iexico " received the highest commendation 
of the critics of the day. His Military Reports will stand fav- 
orable comparison with those of any military commander. 

There was one trait in General Ripley's character which 
merits special notice. Military success, and the glory which at- 
tends it, is apt to make men so avaricious of praise that they too 
frequently seek to monopolize it. General Ripley was an excep- 
tion in this respect. He always endeavored to bestow upon his 
subordinates, officers and men, the full measure of praise due 
them. 

On the niglit of the 20th March, 1887, he died in the City of 
New York. 



13 

In his last moments his thoughts turned with affection to the 
City of Charleston, and it was natural that he should express the 
wish to rest in this cemetery, adjacent to the scene of his great- 
est achievements and among the people in whose behalf those 
services were rendered. 

The distinguished Mayor, Wm. A. Courtenay, and the City 
Council, took prompt action to comply with his wishes, and to 
pay due honor to his memory. 

On the 3d of April his remains were received by Brigadier- 
General T. A. Iluguenin, and his staff, and the Regimental 
Officers and their staff, and escorted to St. Luke's Church for the 
funeral services. 

These were peformed by the Rev. John Johnson, assisted by 
the Rev. Robert Wilson. It was a happy and touching incident 
that General Huguenin and the Rev. John Johnson, who had 
both rendered distinguished services in the defense of Charleston 
under his command, should have been spared to participate in 
the ceremonies of this occasion. 

After the funeral services his remains were borne to these 
grounds, consecrated to the loved and honored memories of our 
dead, and this monument of polished Carolina granite, which 
marks his resting place, is a worthy memorial to a distinguished 
and patriotic soldier, and an honor to the Survivor's Association 
and the citizens of Charleston. 

The ceremonies were then concluded by the following prayer, 
offered up by the Rev. C. E. Chichester: 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, be pleased to look upon us with 
Thine approving smile, as we are here assembled to do honor to, and mani- 
fest our respect and love for, one who was our brave conunander, in what 
we believe to have been a JHSt and righteous cause — the maintenance of that 
constitutional liberty which was bequeathed to us by our forefathers as a 
sacred trust, and the defense of our famihes and homes against a foe bent 
on conquest and destruction. 

Though we were crushed by overwhelming numbers, and compelled by 
might to yield submission, yet we are assured in Thy Holy Word, that 
Truth can never be destroyed, but that it will, in Thine own good time, 
again arise and assert its power over error and falsehood. 

We leave the vindication of our actions in Thy hands, believing that the 
time is not far distant, when the world shall acknowledge the justice of the 
cause for which we fought, and for which so many brave men willingly 
sacrificed their lives. 



14 

May those of us who are still spared, remember that we are steadily 
marehing onward to the grave, and the time allotted to us to do our work upon 
earth, is growing shorter every day. Help us to spend the time properly, 
in doing our duty to Thee and to our fellow-men, so that when the order comes 
for us to strike our tents, we may be ready to obey unmurmuringly, and to 
leave our earthly house of this tabernacle to dwell forever in those heavenl}" 
mansions, prepared for all those who put their trust in the great Captain of 
our Salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name alone we offer these 
our petitions, and to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, the Triune God, 
we will render all honor, obedience and service throughout eternity. Amen. 



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